PARK FOREST – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is optimistic for Illinois’ financial future after Fitch Ratings raised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation bonds from negative to positive, a direct result of responsible spending.

“I’m glad to see the state’s responsible budget plan, which we passed earlier this month, getting its deserved recognition by Fitch Ratings,” Joyce said. “Following a tough economic year, we were still able to make our state’s fiscal health a top priority, and we are moving Illinois toward a brighter future.”

Fitch’s is the third ratings agency to upgrade the state’s forecast, in addition to Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s.

According to Fitch’s analysis, the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year provides Illinois a stable foundation for further financial improvement. Recent debt payments and a reduction of nearly a billion dollars in spending since 2020—without sacrificing funding for pensions, K-12 or higher education—suggest responsible budget management and movement toward fiscal stability.

Fitch’s full analysis is available here.

PARK FOREST – In an effort to promote resources available to small businesses and hear from small business owners and entrepreneurs, Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 40th Senate District.

“Small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Joyce said. “I am asking local businesses to submit their information and schedule a tour, so we can help empower and support our entrepreneurs as the state moves forward from the pandemic.”

Joyce said he hopes to tour restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons. All tours will be in compliance with the state’s public health guidelines and restrictions.

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com/SmallBusinessTours. Joyce plans to start the program in the coming weeks and requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of Joyce’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging young photographers to submit photos for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.

“This is a great contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” Joyce said. “I encourage young photographers throughout the area to share their vision of Illinois agriculture by submitting an entry.”

Electronic photo submissions will be accepted from Illinois students ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age categories: ages 8-10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student is permitted to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2021.
 
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and displayed at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

Read more: Joyce encourages residents to submit photos to Cream of the Crop photo contest

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is pleased to announce five local fire departments will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“Having the right safety equipment is critical for first responders,” Joyce said. “This grant program is a tremendous resource that helps meet basic equipment needs for local fire departments to fight fires and save lives.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by OSFM to provide grants of up to $26,000 to support small firefighting and ambulance equipment purchases. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and EMS providers across the state through the program.

Five grant recipients are located within the 40th Senate District:

• Gardner Fire Protection District – $17,480
• Bradley Fire Department – $25,825
• Grant Park Fire Protection District – $24,520
• Limestone Township Fire Protection District – $26,000
• Park Forest Fire Department – $22,725

A complete list of recipients and awards can be found on the OSFM website.